Freerunning founder and film star offers seminar

If you’ve ever wondered what Freerunning is all about – an acrobatic and athletic discipline – then this Saturday you have a chance to learn from the master himself.

Sébastien Foucan, founder of Freerunning and considered an early developer of Parkour, will be hosting a seminar at Motions Unlimited, organized by Ronnie Hughes of Krav Maga. Duncan Heard and Stingray Watersports also sponsored the visit. A minimum donation of $5 is requested, and all funds will go to the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre.

Sébastien Foucan

Foucan is an international film star and martial arts ambassador. He came to prominence in 2005 as the villain Mollaka in the “Casino Royale” reboot with Daniel Craig, where he starred in the unforgettable opening chase in which he performed every single one of his own stunts, including being suspended 200 feet up in the air from a crane.

Since the late ‘90s, Foucan has developed and grown his art of Freerunning and established himself as one of the founding fathers of this incredible athletic movement. It is now a worldwide phenomenon and has changed the world of chase scenes in movies and stunt work.

Foucan is coming to Cayman to begin preparation work for his next movie role in which he plays a reluctant vigilante who uses his incredible skills to take on members of a criminal underworld who are responsible for the disappearance of his younger sister.

He will be working with Krav Maga Cayman and Ronnie James Hughes who will also be co-starring in the untitled film which begins shooting in London, and potentially Cayman, in the new year.

A body constantly in motion – Sébastien Foucan.

“To make something seem authentic and original, there is a lot of preparation work that goes into developing a scene, particularly a very physical one in which there is potential for injury,” said Foucan. “This is why myself and Ronnie are starting early so that everything is done professionally and to our utmost capabilities.

“I am something of a perfectionist and want to make the best fight scene possible, something unique, and something original. I am really excited to be coming to Cayman and looking forward to learning from Ronnie about Krav Maga and Jiu Jitsu … plus enjoying the culture and experience of Cayman and above all, raising funds and awareness for a truly amazing cause like the CICC.”

Krav Maga Cayman is an ambassador for the Crisis Centre and owner Ronnie James Hughes feels this is a perfect opportunity to bring awareness to the cause

“We all know sexual and domestic violence is a problem,” said Hughes. “The more we help raise funds and give a voice to those who need it most, the better chance we have of limiting the abuse that occurs daily.

“Sebastien’s seminar won’t just focus on the physical aspects of Freerunning, but the spiritual side of things as well: expression, movement, instinct and imagination … things which are often suppressed or denied in abusive relationships.

“It’s also a chance to get people out of their armchairs, off their Playstations and utilizing the beautiful surroundings and climate that Cayman has to offer,” he concluded.

The seminar will take place at Motions Unlimited on Nov. 26 from 3-5 p.m. for a $5 minimum donation admission fee. All levels of experience and capability are encouraged to attend from ages 8 years and over. For more information, email [email protected] or call 323-9778 for further details.